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Monthly Archives: May 2016

Book Club Monday

I was lucky enough to be introduced to the book In The Name of Gucci:A Memoir by Patricia Gucci.  It is a wonderfully written story about the forbidden love between her mother, Bruna, and Aldo Gucci, the  “powerhouse” behind the brand that it is today.  It is also  a sentimental account of the wonderful father-daughter relationship behind the dynamic brand. The story goes like this:
Patricia Gucci was born a secret: the lovechild whose birth could have spelled ruination for her father, Aldo Gucci. It was the early 1960s, the halcyon days for Guccithe must-have brand of Hollywood and royaltybut also a time when having a child out of wedlock was illegal in Italy. Aldo couldn’t afford a public scandal, nor could he resist his feelings for Patricia’s mother, Bruna, the paramour he met when she worked in the first Gucci store in Rome. To avoid controversy, he sent Bruna to London after she became pregnant, and then discretely whisked her back to Rome with her newborn hidden from the Italian authorities, the media, and the Gucci family.  
 
In the Name of Gucci charts the untold love story of Patricia’s parents, relying on the author’s own memories, a collection of love letters and interviews with her mother, as well as an archive of previously unseen photos. She interweaves her parents’ tempestuous narrative with that of her own relationship with her father—from an isolated little girl who lived in the shadows for the best part of a decade through her rise as Gucci’s spokesperson and Aldo’s youngest protégé, to the moment when Aldo’s three sons were shunned after betraying him in a notorious coup and Patricia—once considered a guilty secret—was made his sole universal heir. It is an epic tale of love and loss, treason and loyalty, sweeping across Italy, England and America during the most tumultuous period of Gucci’s sixty years as a family business.

I interviewed Patricia last Friday on my radio show and really enjoyed talking to her and hearing what she had to share about her parent’s love affair, her family, the timeless Gucci fashions, and her doting father.  To listen to the powerful interview, click HERE

To purchase In The Name of Gucci, click HERE.

Weekend Real Estate Stalking

This Week’s Real Estate Stalking is an incredible home in Connecticut that is a summer rental.  What a gorgeous setting to spend those lazy summer days.  The property and view are stunning.  It so easy to forget how amazing the Long Island Sound can be.  How great would it be to have it right in your back yard? For more information on this Chilton Summer Listing of Chilton and Chadwick, a team within Higgins Group contact christine@chiltonandchadwick.com.

Fashionable Friend Friday

This past Wednesday I was invited to meet the fabulous uber designer Mary McDonald at the beautiful John Rosselli showroom!!!  Mary is incredible.  She is not only the most amazing designer but she has the absolute BEST personality.  Not to mention that we were all drooling over her incredible outfit and jewels!  She introduced her new furniture line by Chaddock furniture to the crowd.  One piece is more beautiful than the next.  To see the complete line click HERE

Mr. Rosselli and Luke Dolce of Chaddock

One of Mary’s Favorite pieces, the Josephine cabinet

Easy Salsa Chicken

I recently saw this recipe on one of my favorite blogs Happily Eva After.  Eva is the daughter of Susan Sarandon and she is adorable and so talented.  The recipe is so easy and can be the basis for so many possible meals.  I cook this for my kids all the time and they use the chicken to make quesadillas, tacos, nachos, put it over a salad or just eat it by itself.  Here’s all you need to do.  Take your chicken breasts, put them in your crock pot.  Season with salt and pepper and top with a jar of Salsa (which ever is your favorite).  Cook on low for apprx. 5 hours.  When finished, shred with a fork and put 1 or 2 spoonfuls of the cooking sauce with the chicken in a bowl to serve. Voila!!!!  Happy Crocking!!!!

image gimmiesomeoven.com

Get To Know Ramy Brook

I really got to know the Ramy Brook line last summer in Southampton at Kyle Richard’s store Kyle By Alene Too.  The bright colors and hip prints are so great for the upcoming warm summer months.  I love the hot pink dress, which Lisa Rinna purchased for herself to wear on a Housewives of Beverly Hills episode.  The color is amazing.  She motivated me to buy a blouse in the same color, which I recently wore on Mother’s Day.  I went to a great private sale of the line last week and it was incredible.  To visit the Ramy Brook website and receive 10% off the current collection, click HERE.

NY Senatorial Candidate Julie Killian holding the “Lisa Rinna” dress!!!!

Patio Time

It’s that time of year again…….time to spruce up the patio.  Memorial Day is right around the corner and you know what that means….cookouts and outdoor entertaining galore.  It is so easy to enhance what you already own to take you outdoor space to the next level.  A tweak of accessories here and there and Voila, you have your own outdoor sanctuary!!  Happy Decorating!!!!

Patio Time